"Allie," Elliot started, but I couldn't focus on his words. Olivia was playing my piece. The only piece I had ready for this competition.

"How could she know?" I hissed at Elliot. "How? The only two people that knew are you and Paul, unless—"

"I didn't tell her," Elliot snapped at me before I could finish.

I gave him a brief glare. "I wasn't going to say that. If you'd let me finish, I was going to say unless she listened in on me during piano class."

Elliot clenched his jaw and gave a short nod. "Probably."

"What am I going to do?" I whispered, pressing a hand to my forehead and closing my eyes. "How did I not notice her? But the rooms are soundproof! And I didn't tell anyone... oh my god."

"What?"

I gaped at Elliot, trying to get my tongue and teeth to cooperate. "Back with Mr. Tucker... he asked what I was playing. And this was before I caught onto what was happening. Elliot, I told him. He must have told Olivia! Shit, I'm such an idiot!"

Elliot gave a death glare to Olivia, but it didn't matter, she couldn't see it. Trying to calm my pounding heart, I wracked my brain for any other impressive piece I knew. Nothing came up, at least, nothing I was ready for. I was totally, and utterly screwed. What would the judges think to have two pieces performed one after another? From the same high school? Would they think I copied Olivia? Or vice versa? Knowing my luck, I'd get the blame.

"Allie, you know a different version, right?"

I blinked at Elliot. "What?"

"You've played a different version a few times, right? Did another composer do a remake of it? Play that one."

"I..." Hesitating, I furrowed my eyebrows. "This song?"

"Yeah."

Oh. "No, Elliot, I was just playing around when I changed it," I told him, shaking my head. "I'm sure that's against the rules—"

"It's not," he said, cutting me off. "Just do it. It sounds professional, and it'll be different."

I bit my lip. "Good different, or bad different?"

"Just different."

"I don't know—"

"Just say that it's Canon in C, recomposed by you," Elliot said, giving me an impatient look.

I glanced at the judges, who were all already looking bored. They'd probably just give me shit scores if I played the same song again, anyway. Maybe using my version would be better. Of course, it'd probably seem a little pompous, but hopefully they'd notice I didn't mean for it to be like that. "Okay, okay," I gave in. "Might as well try..."

Elliot flicked my forehead. "You'll do fine."

"Mm," I responded noncommittally, rubbing at the sore spot on my head.

Olivia managed to play her piece perfectly, not missing or messing up a note. When she was finished, the crowd applauded loudly, but at least they didn't give her a standing ovation. She caught my eye as she went to sit down and I scowled deeply at her. But it didn't last for long, because I was being motioned up onto the stage. Glancing back into the crowd, I tried to find Paul. When I couldn't, terror took over me. This wasn't my first recital (well, technically this was a competition, but close enough), so there was no reason for me to be nervous in front a crowd.

But this was a big crowd.

And an important judge panel.

Just as I thought I was going to throw up with nerves, my gaze met Paul's, sitting slightly behind the judge's panel. That's right, I forgot he was sitting with them. He looked irritated, and I assumed it was because of Olivia, but after a moment he gave me a reassuring smile, and mouthed you'll be amazing. Swallowing, I nodded back at him, managing to get a smile onto my face. Our date depended on this. And with that smile on my face, I turned to my judges, who were all surprised by it. Mostly because most of the other pianists were too focused on the piano to show any emotion. Which I suppose worked for some people, but I liked to come off as friendly.

"Uh," I began, and instantly regretted it. Way to pause with poise. Instantly blushing, I ducked my head and tried again. "I mean, hi, I'm Allie Heywood and I'll be playing Canon in C, arranged by myself. I apologize for the repeat in song choice, but I guess both the contestant before me and myself are fans of Pachelbel."

There were a few chuckles from the crowd and I could've kissed those people.

Trying not to let my nerves creep up on me, I positioned myself on the piano bench, resting my hands lightly on the keys and waited for the okay for me to begin playing.

It came thirty seconds later, and I closed my eyes, letting my hands take over.

The audience was dead silent as I played, and I didn't dare to imagine their reaction. For all I knew, I was totally shredding up a classic. Ruining it for those who liked the original. But, no, I couldn't think like that. I recomposed it myself, and it sounded amazing to me, so I should be proud. Everyone would love it.

As soon as my pinky landed on the last note I held my breath, waiting for a response from the crowd. It was quiet. My heart sunk into my gut. Damn it.

"You composed this?" one of the judges, I think his name was Martin, said.

Sliding stiffly off the piano bench, I nodded. "Yes..."

"Well done." And with those words, the audience exploded into a deafening applause. I relaxed immediately, almost falling over. Glancing out into the crowd, I saw my family and friends giving me a standing ovation. Even Elliot was standing.

I did a quick little curtsy before scurrying off the stage. Now came the worst part of the competition— the waiting. Why they couldn't just use the scoring per piece way of doing things, I'd never know.

The announced called a half hour break and I headed straight for Olivia. "You copied me!" I accused as soon as I was close enough.

She gave me an I-don't-know-what-you're-talking-about look, flipping her blonde hair over her shoulder. "I would never copy you. You copied me."

"You used Mr. Tucker to find out," I snapped back at her. "But you know what? It doesn't matter. Because even if you do win this competition, at least you'll always have the fact that the only reason you won is because you ripped me off nagging in the back of your head, so it's not an honest victory."

Her eyes narrowed at me, fierce and blue. "Whatever, Allie. I always figured you'd be a sore loser."

"You—"

Suddenly a heavy arm was laid over my shoulders and my knees almost buckled under the weight. "That was great!" Jeremy cried, squeezing the life out of me. "You were definitely the best!"

"Jeremy, get off me," I gritted out, trying to slip out from under his arm and forgetting about Olivia. "You're heavier than you think you are."

"I tell him that every day," my dad muttered, appearing beside me to ruffle my hair. "Good job, Allie Cat."

"Yeah Allie, that was amazing," Casey told me, smiling brightly.

I turned to beam at her. "Thanks!"

Rory gave me a hug. "Good job."

"Thanks, kiddo."

Next was my mom, all teary eyed, which caused me to roll my eyes, and my dad to ruffle her hair affectionately.

I looked around, trying to find Paul. Everywhere friends and family were hugging their children, but I couldn't find the brunet anywhere. My gaze went over Olivia again, standing in front of her seat still, arms crossed and head down. No family was with her. I frowned a little, but couldn't think upon it too hard because within the next few seconds I saw Paul, making his way through all the people, stopping to shake hands with some of the other competitors who recognized him.

As soon as his eyes landed on me, a wide smile crossed his face. However, instead of the hug I was going for, he just offered out his hand. "Can't show you favoritism," he told me apologetically as I stuck my hand into his. "Won't look good."

"Oh," I grumbled. "That's okay."

"Smart thinking, playing your version," he continued, waving at someone behind me. I assumed it was his mom.

I grimaced. "That was mostly due to luck. They could've hated it."

"Only if they didn't appreciate originality. Hi Mom," he said, grinning at Holly as she appeared at my side, Andy beside her. "Hey, Dad."

"You played beautifully," Holly told me, smiling.

"It was great," Andy added.

"Thanks," I responded, suddenly embarrassed. "It's mostly because of your son... he helped me out a lot."

Paul waved his hand dismissively. "Not-uh, that was all her. Don't let her give me credit."

"But you helped, Paul," I pointed out.

"I didn't help you compose."

"Well, yeah, but... oh whatever," I said, blushing at his smug look.

His mom laughed. "I'm glad to see you two getting along as good as ever."

"She's pretty easy to get along with," Paul told her, grinning at me all the while.

I smiled back at him.

"Get along with, or more?" Jeremy teased, slinging his arm over Paul's shoulder. "You planning anything with my cute little niece?"

"She's not your niece, Jeremy," my dad interjected with a roll of his eyes. "Nor will she ever be."

"Unless you and mom get a divorce and either one of you two hook up with him," I pointed out.

Jeremy batted his eyelashes at my dad. "You know you'd choose me, Chris."

I laughed, watching as my dad aimed a punch at Jeremy's face. With amazing agility, the blonde dodged it. "Kidding," Jeremy said, sticking his tongue out.

"Stick that out any further and I'll chop it off."

My mom sighed, shaking her head at the pair. "Why can't you guys act like normal people?"

"Jeremy isn't and will never be normal."

Jeremy shrugged. "Normal is boring."

"How do you put up with him, Casey?" my dad demanded, turning to the woman in question.

Casey grinned. "Because he pays the bills with his fancy lawyer pay."

"Hey," Jeremy complained.

"If all of you are done flirting," I started, sending Jeremy a pointed look. "The results are going to be called soon. What are you guys doing after this?" It would be bad if my parents wanted to go out to dinner since I had plans with Paul already. Better to settle it quickly.

"Depends on what you're doing, I guess," my mom told me, frowning. "Do you have plans with your friends?"

I half-smiled. "Kind of." Not exactly a lie, not exactly the truth.

"Well, if you want to go out with your friends and already have plans, then you should," she responded, smiling back. "We can have dinner another night."

"Who are you going out with?" my dad asked suspiciously. "A guy?"

"She said her friends," Casey pointed out. "Don't you listen?"

My dad ignored her. "So?"

"You know, Elliot and Aspen, probably Oliver and Jake," I lied quickly, hoping I sounded convincing.

"Where is Aspen?" Paul spoke up, squinting around the crowd. "I was sure she was coming."

I glanced back at him, annoyed. "She's here. We're going out to eat."

Paul shifted uncomfortably. "Oh, er, right."

"She's in the back," I continued, and at last that was the truth. Aspen was seated in the back of the auditorium, along with the other two boys.

"Well, that sounds fun," my mom said with a smile.

Nodding, I quickly adverted my gaze. I hated lying to my mom. She was always so honest with me, I didn't like when I wasn't truthful with her. But I didn't want to say, oh, hey, me and the guy I'm currently living with who happens to be my dad's ex-girlfriend's son are going on a date tonight. So the truth wasn't quite an option yet. Maybe one day. Depending on how the date went.

Which was mostly likely going to be good.

"Attention," a voice started over the loud speaker, sending the audience into silence. "If you could all return to your seats, we will begin the results."

My mom grabbed my arm tightly. "Stay here."

"Sure," I said, grinning at her.

"Are you ready for this?" Paul asked, a wide smile also on his face.

I shrugged, torn between excitement and anxiety. It wasn't a big deal if I won. Sure, that would mean enough money to hopefully buy a used car, and a trip to the nationals, but even if I didn't win it was fine. I really just wanted the car.

"I'm sure you'll win," he told me confidently.

"I'll laugh if you're wrong."

"Sure you won't cry?"

Rolling my eyes, I turned toward the stage, waiting until the crowd was settled enough for the announcer to begin. The judges were also standing on the stage now, grim-faced and proper. I grimaced internally; glad I hadn't paid too much attention to their facial expressions earlier. It probably would've messed me up.

Since there were so many contestants, there was a top five instead of a top three list. The first two names were ones I didn't recognize, but my heart was beating furiously all the same. Now that names were being called, I realized this was it.

"Third place, Elliot Allen."

Paul broke out into a wide grinned and clapped loudly while I cheered as Elliot sulked up the stairs to the stage. Unemotional as always, he shook the judges hand, and took the award from the announcer before quickly making his way off stage, not even bothering to acknowledge the audience. I wanted to go up and congratulate him, but knew walking through the isle wouldn't be a good idea.

There was a few seconds until the second place winner was called. Doubts clouded my mind. I probably wouldn't win first place. But if I was second place, I could deal with that. Better than nothing, right?

"Olivia Jones."

The audience erupted into cheering again and I quickly whipped around to face Paul. If Olivia was second, then that could mean...

Turning back to the stage, I could tell Olivia wasn't happy with second place, but was putting on a polite expression nonetheless. My hands were shaking at my sides. This could be it.

It was an agonizing three minutes before the build up to the first place winner. "This year, we had a bit of a surprise," the announcer, I couldn't remember his name, started with a broad smile. "A contestant made a brave and bold move."

"Oh my god," my mom gasped behind me.

I kept my expression blank. That didn't mean it was me. I mean, it sure as hell sounded like it, but I couldn't get too pompous—

"Allie Heywood."

"Holy shit," I breathed out as the applause around me became deafening. I turned to Paul for guidance, wondering what I should do.

He beamed at me, gesturing for me to go to the stage. Nodding, I forced myself to the front of the auditorium. I won. I'd actually beat out everyone else in the state; with a piece I composed, nonetheless! That was crazy.

"Congratulations," the judges greeted me, with polite smiles.

"Your recomposition was amazing," the last judge told me, eyes bright.

"Thank you," I mumbled shyly before taking the award and a white envelope. A white envelope that contained the check for my new car.

Then suddenly, everyone was exiting off the stage. There were a few words of closure from the announcer, but I didn't focus on them, slowly staggering down the stairs. My family and friends greeted me with hugs and kisses, and I let myself be handed around until everyone was satisfied. Paul hugged me last, giving me a tight squeeze. "Congratulations, Allie."

"I can't believe it," I stated dumbly, looking at the award in my hands. It was only a piece of paper, but it was fancy, and displayed what I'd won and what place and it even had my name on it. When they'd printed it, I didn't know.

"Me either," my dad commented behind me. "Who knew you were so great?"

"Chris!" my mom scolded while I laughed.

"Like I said, I owe a lot to Paul," I said honestly.

Paul ducked his head. "And like I said, not really."

"But I wonder..." Trailing off, I saw Olivia standing by the corner of the stage, all by herself. Her back was to us, her shoulders shaking. Almost like she was crying.

Jutting my chin out, I turned away from her. Whatever, she deserved to feel the disappointment.

But she didn't deserve to be crying alone.

Paul noticed where I was looking and frowned. "I wonder what's wrong with her."

"Probably upset she didn't win," I responded, glancing at him.

"How come no one's comforting her?" he asked.

I rolled my eyes. "Why are you asking me? Maybe even her family doesn't like her."

Paul gave me a disapproving look. "Allie."

"Yeah, sorry," I sighed.

"Maybe you should go talk to her."

I stared at him. "What? Why me?"

"Because the contest is over, so she'll have no more reason to be mean to you. So why don't you try to make amends?"

"No."

Paul pursed his lips. "Allie."

"Paul, she was threatening me," I pointed out.

"You guys are in high school. You're bound to make stupid decisions. And you can't hold them against her," he defended. "Olivia is a good person. I know she's been nothing but bad to you, but I've known her for almost two years now and last year she was nothing like she was this year."

Rubbing my forehead, I sighed. "How can you just see the best in people?"

"Because not enough people do," he told me with a small smile.

After a few more seconds I finally gave in, and held my prize money and award out to my mom. "Can you hold this? I'll be right back."

"Sure," she responded, blue eyes growing curious. "What are you doing?"

"Going to talk to someone for a moment," I told her, slipping around Paul and pushing through the crowd of people to reach Olivia. I didn't know what I was going to say. Or what she would do. Or if she actually was crying. But I knew that on the off chance she was, I couldn't leave her like that.

Even if she was a bitch.

Sucking in a small breath, I tapped on her shoulder. "Olivia?"

Startled, she jumped, her hands shooting up to her eyes to rub away what I assumed to be tears. When she turned toward me, I realized I was right. Her eyes were puffy and red. "What do you want?" she snapped.

Taking a deep breath, I forced myself not to snap back at her. "To make sure you're alright."

"I'm fine."

"Is that why you're crying?" I retorted, crossing my arms. "You won second place, isn't that enough?"

Olivia glared at me. "No."

"Why? Are you that vain? You have to be the best at everything?" I asked, narrowing my eyes. "There are tons of students here that would be more than overjoyed at second place! Why aren't you?"

"Because that won't help me!" Olivia cried. "So stop acting like this is just about my stupid ego, you stupid bitch!"

"Well excuse me for trying to see what's wrong!" I said back, barely managing to control my tone.

Olivia scoffed. "Like you care."

"Just because we hate each other, doesn't mean I don't care, Olivia."

This took her by surprise, her face softening for a brief moment. Then it hardened again and she looked away from me. "Why aren't you with your family?"

"Why aren't you with yours?"

"They aren't here."

Now it was my time to be surprised. "No one? Why?"

"This wasn't an important event," she said simply.

"Of course it was! And you won second," I added, my eyebrows furrowing. "How could this not be considered important?"

Olivia scowled at me. "Like I said, you don't know anything."

"Like what?" I challenged.

"None of your business."

"Fine, but if you don't tell me, I'm just going to automatically assume you're a sore loser."

She glared at me. "I'm not."

"Then what? What don't I know?"

"The fact that my family recently went bankrupt, and this was my one shot of actually being able to make money to help at least pay the bills," she responded angrily. "Now I have to start over again, wait another year for another competition like this. But by then it won't matter. I won't be able to afford any further schooling. Or piano lessons. Nothing. I can barely even afford lunch for school everyday as it is now. But you don't know what that's like, do you? You probably come from some rich family that can afford everything!"

I stared at Olivia, my mouth half-open. A surge of anger washed over me, but it dissipated quickly. Financial troubles. I definitely knew how that went, especially for a school like this. "I'm at school on scholarship, you know that," I finally said back to her.

"You're... it's not fair," she finally snapped, eyes watering over again. "Everyone thinks you're the best at school— even Paul loves you! Kyle too! You've been here four months, I've been here four years, and no one has noticed me! And you can even compose brilliant pieces. But I've been playing since I was four and I'm still second rate!"

"I've been playing piano for a long time too, Olivia," I pointed out. "And you're not second rate. I'm not better than you."

She snorted. "Don't try to make me feel better."

"I'm sorry about your problems," I told her sincerely. "I didn't know. And I'm also sorry no one showed up for you. That just sucks."

"Don't pity me—"

"I'm not," I said sharply, glaring at her. "Jesus, Olivia, can't you stop being a bitch for like five seconds? If you can't tell, I'm at least trying to get along with you."

Olivia pursed her lips for a few more moments before sighing. "What?"

"Look, I don't really care about becoming famous or whatever. Honestly, I just wanted to win so I could use the prize money to get a car."

"Nice," she commented dryly.

The corner of my lip twitched as I tried not to choke her. "You'll want to listen to what I'm about to tell you, because I don't even know why I'm about to do it."

"What?" she responded, frowning.

"As I said, I only entered this for the prize money. But I can deal without a car right now, I mean, I have been for the past year anyway."

Olivia's eyes widened, a spark of hope flashing in them. She quickly turned away from me though, putting her hands on her hips. "And?"

"And maybe if you ask me nice enough and stop trying to destroy me every five seconds I'll give my award money to you."

There were a few moments of silence when Olivia just stared off into the distance. I shuffled on my feet, feeling awkward. Part of me believed Olivia really didn't deserve it, but another part figured she had her reasons for everything she did. Bad reasons, probably, and she was really overdramatic, but still...

"Why?"

I sighed. "I don't know, Olivia. I'm a good person? If your family is really having problems, then whatever. I started off without the money anyway."

She stared at me. "But I've been a douchebag to you."

"Yes," I agreed.

"I stole your piece."

"I knew it!" I cried triumphantly.

She didn't look amused. "Why would you do this for me?"

"Are you going to take it or leave it?"

She hesitated, as if not believing I'd give up my spot for her. "Are you sure?"

"You have a lot of apologizing and ass kissing to do, but I'm sure."

A smile cracked begrudgingly on her face. "Okay."

"But I want to talk to your parents first to make sure you're not lying," I told her. I wasn't going to trust her that much.

"Fine," she agreed.

I smiled back at her, and then glanced at my family, all watching us. Paul pointed at Olivia, and then me, and then the rest of the family. He mimicked eating. I stared at him in disbelief. He wanted me to invite Olivia out to dinner? I gave him a sharp look, but he just returned it with puppy dog eyes. Cursing him, I turned to Olivia. "Do you want to come to dinner with us?"

She gave me a flat look. "I don't like you that much."

"Come on," I urged, rolling my eyes. "We'll make Jeremy pay."

"Jeremy?

"Just come on. You'd be eating alone anyway, right?"

"Yeah, but—"

Grabbing her arm, I dragged her back to everyone else. "Change of plans. We're all going out for dinner, and Olivia will be joining us."

Paul's expression was self-satisfied and smug. "Shut up, Paul," I snapped at him, feeling myself blush.

"Paul?" Olivia said, doing a double take.

"Family friend," I explained quickly. "She's alone, so I figured we could all do something together," I added to my family's benefit.

My mom smiled warmly at Olivia. "Sure! We'll go to Olive Garden. Is that okay with you, Olivia?"

Olivia nodded mutely.

"I'm Holly, by the way," she added.

Paul caught my eye and raised an eyebrow. Pulling him aside, I frowned at him. "What about our date?"

"Another day," he responded off handedly. "So you're starting a friendship with Olivia?"

I wrinkled my nose. "It's not a friendship."

"What do you call it then? You're taking her out to dinner."

"No, I invited her along with us because you mimed me to, there's a difference," I told him, hands on my hips. "And I'll have you know, at most, it may be the beginning of an ugly acquaintanceship."

Paul raised an eyebrow, a smirk growing on his face. "Oh? You're finally giving her a chance?"

"Shut up. Don't look so smug."

He chuckled, patting my head. "Look at you, not baring grudges."

Slapping his hand away, I turned serious. "Can we go out this weekend?"

"Of course," he responded easily. "We'll enjoy tonight with our families."

"And Olivia. She's still got a crush on you, you know."

He batted his eyelashes. "I'm so desirable though."

Rolling my eyes, I lightly kicked his shin. "Try not to flirt too much."

"Ready to go?" my dad asked, eyes switching between Paul and myself.

I tried not to blush and nodded, grabbing Olivia's arm again. "Sure."

Olivia glanced over at me, prying my hand off of her. "I still hate you, you know."

"Yeah, I hate you too," I responded with a grin.

________

Ergg another chapter I'm not happy with. Hopefully, you guys are Dx

Oh! and I got a new Twitter :D @JordanLynde_